Codling demands a ‘massive’ Rosslyn Park response

Rosslyn Park coach Alex Codling is expected a “massive response” from his side after last weekend’s disappointing defeat at Blaydon.

The 19-18 scoreline leaves Park second in National League One, eight points off the sole promotion spot – currently occupied by promotion favourites Doncaster Knights.

Park missed out on victory at Blaydon when Scott Sneddon failed to convert a try from debutant winger Tom Howe with five minutes to go.

Codling was in no mood to bemoan his side’s luck, however, concentrating his fire instead on the tries they conceded.

He said: "The desolation of the boys at the end of the game shows much they knew they had not reached the levels that I expect from them or that they expect of each other.

“The guys have been magnificent so far this season but the three tries we conceded at Blaydon were criminal, and yet we still had a chance to win it at the end.”

Old Albanians, who beat Esher 31-8 last weekend, are the visitors to Priory Lane on Saturday.

Park beat the Old Boys earlier in the season in a dramatic finale – having led 27-24 and facing a penalty in front of their own posts in the last play of the match.

With Park reduced to 14 men, the Old Boys opted for the scrum to try to bag the win but Park held on to claim the spoils. However, the Hertfordshire side are in a rich vein of form, having beaten title-chasing Esher by 31-8 last Saturday, and will be thirsting for revenge.

Codling said: “I expect a massive response next week against Old Albanians.

“If the fixture earlier in the season is anything to go by it should be a great spectacle.

“The results in the other games show how competitive this league is and that anybody can beat anybody on the day."

Here you go: Ed Lewis-Pratt off-loads during a Park attack at Blaydon Picture: David Whittam

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